HJ0055enr 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0055 Enrolled LRB096 12582 DRJ 26749 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 55

WHEREAS, An estimated 210,000 Illinoisans have Alzheimer's or a related dementia disorder, with the likelihood of being afflicted rising with age; it is believed that almost 50% of individuals age 85 and older will have Alzheimer's; these estimates do not include individuals with other dementia disorders; and

WHEREAS, Alzheimer's has no respect for bravery, courage, and service, affecting roughly 55,000 of the State's veterans 65 years of age and older, with 40% over the age of 85; those with other dementia disorders are not included in these numbers; and

WHEREAS, While one in four Illinois families are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's in their home, most families are forced to seek residential programs as the disease progresses; and

WHEREAS, The State has few alternatives for families seeking residential care for a family member with dementia, although Illinois has repeatedly studied the issue with task force reports calling for services to be put in place issued as far back as 1986; and

WHEREAS, For those who can afford private-pay market-rate services, 80 of the licensed assisted living facilities in Illinois have dedicated Alzheimer's units; and

WHEREAS, For most Illinois families, private-pay assisted living facilities are financially outside their means; and

WHEREAS, These market-rate programs report countless calls from families desperate to find a solution for their loved one, but who clearly cannot afford market-rate care; they also report that it is not uncommon for residents to have to leave their programs for Medicaid-funded nursing home beds, because they have spent down all their resources; and

WHEREAS, The State has 147 nursing homes with dedicated Alzheimer's units, yet most individuals with Alzheimer's do not have complex medical needs that require 24-hour skilled nursing care; and

WHEREAS, For many moderate and low-income families, who can no longer care for their loved ones at home, a Medicaid nursing home bed is the only solution that they can afford; and

WHEREAS, Neither of Illinois' existing subsidized affordable assisted living type programs include Alzheimer's dedicated units, although the Supportive Living Facilities have filed rules to create a demonstration project; and

WHEREAS, A similar program at the Illinois Department on Aging - Comprehensive Care In Residential Settings - could allow dementia programs; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that the State of Illinois may establish an affordable Alzheimer's housing-with-services program that builds off existing programs; and be it further

RESOLVED, That existing assisted living dedicated Alzheimer's programs be considered for participation and that nursing homes be encouraged to convert a distinct portion of their facilities to Alzheimer's dedicated housing-with-services units; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the program be designed to permit the State to access federal matching funds.